Absolutely True Lies by Rachel Stuhler

Title: Absolutely True Lies

Author: Rachel Stuhler

Pages: 352 pages

Published: May 26th, 2015

Genre: Contemporary YA

Source: Paperback from Touchstone

Rating:

Struggling writer Holly Gracin is on the verge of moving back home to upstate New York when she gets hired to write the memoirs of eighteen-year-old Daisy Mae Dixson, a former Nickelodeon child star who has moved seamlessly into both blockbuster movies and pop music.

Holly quickly realizes that Daisy's wholesome public image is purely a work of fiction, as Holly finds herself trailing the star as she travels around the world on yachts, gets stalked by paparazzi, and sneaks out of five-star hotels in the dead of night.

As Holly struggles to write a flattering portrait of a teenage millionaire who only eats "nightshades" and treats her employees like slaves, Daisy has a public meltdown- and suddenly, her book is the cornerstone of resurrecting her image. But working at all hours trailing a pop star has taken its toll, and Holly must decide if becoming the ultimate inside if worth losing a starring role in her own life.

Fun, juicy, and inspired by Rachel Stuhler's own stranger-than-fiction experiences as a celebrity ghost writer, Absolutely True Lies is an entertaining look at how the lifestyles of the rich and famous aren't always what they seem.

** I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This has not affected my opinion on the book whatsoever.**

I really don't know where to start off with this book other than say that this is not your ordinary YA contemporary read. This book was amazingly special and unique that I've never heard about before until this book. It completely blew me away because I went into it solely not knowing anything and keeping in mind that this was not hyped about around Booktube or the blogosphere. Not often do we see a YA book about a main character whose already graduated from college and is now living off on her own to make a living for herself.

My Thoughts

I can see this book following true events in the author's life. Oh wait hold up, these are are real-life experiences! The events of the story are based on her experience of being a celebrity ghost writer!! The story follows Holly as she struggles to sculpt this reputation as a writer first in the real world and then into the world of this glamorized Hollywood superstar life. Her life completely changes when she is called by the manager of famous actress Daisy Mae Dixon to have an opportunity to ghostwrite her autobiography. Because she has accepted this job, Holly enters this life of high, elite society with Daisy and her family to learn more about her in order to write the book.

I found the writing style to be the most quirkiest thing ever. It's not sophisticated or incredibly beautiful but it's real and it sounds like any normal conversation you'd find on the street between two people. The lines were snarky and amusing. They also played a huge role in characterizing the characters and allowing the reader to connect to the characters. You would definitely find yourself snickering in between chapters when you'd least expect it. I also got those weird stares from my parents when they saw me laughing to myself and just didn't understand what was so funny.

The comedy was unreal. This book takes YA comedic relief to the next level and there is only so much comedy you could put into contemporary before it goes over into the actual comedy genre. This book had the perfect balance of contemporary romance and comedy.

A fun and engrossing look at the underside of fame. Told from the viewpoint of an ordinary woman who gets sucked into the dizzying orbit of a superstar, this snappily written debut benefits greatly from Rachel Stuhler's real-life experience as a celebrity ghost-writer --Sarah Pekkanen

Not only does this book give us a VIP pass into the life of a celebrity, but it shows us that fame and fortune is not as easy as it looks. There is a great contrast between out two characters Holly and Daisy. Holly is assigned to learn more about Daisy by following her around the day and as she does this, Holly realizes that she really would rather live her mediocre life than wish herself into the life of a famous Hollywood celeb. It's harder than you think, and I think this book made a huge statement towards that cause.

I honestly have no idea what age this group this is geared towards. I'm kind of stuck between YA and NA since this book follows an older protagonist but the YA is still there, I feel. This is a coming of age story that follows a protagonist that has matured but still hasn't just about learned everything in life. Holly finds herself pinned against herself wondering if she's doing the right thing and in the process of working inside the life of a celebrity, she learns a w hole lot about herself. A contemporary that sets itself apart from the others.

A story packed with quite a punch. YA and NA come together to form a story that reels you in slowly as it progresses.

Have you read this book yet?

18 comments

Great review! I read this one earlier in the summer and I really loved it too. It has some great humor, like you said, which I always appreciate. I'd say this is NA just based on the MC's age. That's how I tend to categorize books. :)

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I think I like the idea of this being based off true stories. I'm one of the few readers I know that like memoirs, and even though this isn't technically one. It sounds like it's very close to it. I'm going to look into this one. Great review, Alex!

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I must read this one! Being based on real-life experiences makes it all the more enticing of a read. I've never read a book about a ghost writer, so I find this book rather intriguing. Thanks so much for sharing, Alex!! I'm going to pick this one up. :-)

There's no rating DD: I have read this one myself when it came out and I liked it quite a lot! I did feel like there was something missing that could have made the book go from good to great but I think we were really able to see into the celebrity lifestyle, honestly, and how the people didn't turn out to be all they claimed they would be sometimes. I also really liked how it was based on real life experiences so we are seeing into reality.

Aww damn I always forget that! Thanks so much for reminding me I'll put it up right now. It's supposed to be a 4 star rating. And you're right if this book had been not missing that one thing I would have given it 5 stars.

Alexandria

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Any books that are reviewed on this site are either gifted to me, won in a giveaway, or purchased. All reviews are honest, and are not swayed by anything. I will note if the books have been gifted or won. Most pictures or clip art have been taken off of Google or somewhere else if said otherwise. Said pictures are not mine, and I do not hold ownership over them unless stated otherwise.